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Meet Some Alumni

of the bassoon studio

Jacob Darrow • MM 2013
Freelance musician in the Chicago area, currently subbing with a variety of orchestras, most notably the Milwaukee and Columbus Symphonies.My time at Ohio State gave me the musical and technical foundation necessary to succeed. The level of technical and musical insistence that I was introduced to opened every door I have walked through as a musician since.

Emily Patronik • DMA 2013 | MM 2009 | BM 2007
Academic Advisor at Ohio State School of Music; instructor of bassoon at Denison University, Heidelberg University and Ohio Wesleyan University.While attending The Ohio State University, I improved immensely as a bassoonist and gained a family of musicians. I will always remember my time at OSU fondly.

Christian Watson • BME 2016
Christian Watson attended The Ohio State University from 2012–2016, graduating summa cum laude with Honors in the Arts. Each year he performed in the large ensembles offered at Ohio State. For a time, he served as president of the Symphonic Band, heading the process that established the group not only as an ensemble, but as a registered student organization as well. Christian is now in his third year of teaching as the director of bands at Willard City Schools. He teaches sixth through twelfth grade instrumental and general music, as well as directing the marching and pep bands. Despite a busy schedule Christian still performs with various community bands and teaches bassoon privately.I will be forever grateful for my time in the OSU bassoon studio. The lessons I learned not only made me a proficient bassoonist, but also continuously shape how I approach teaching music to young instrumentalists.

Kristilyn Woods • DMA 2011
Adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University, adjunct professor at Paradise Valley Community College, private lesson instructor, freelance musician. Has played with regional orchestras (West Valley Symphony, Symphony of the Southwest), the touring production of Sound of Music (Phoenix, AZ), local ensembles including Phoenix Boys Choir, Phoenix Symphony (sub/extra), and as principal with Scottsdale Philharmonic.My time at OSU was fundamental to my success after college. Professor Pierson's experience and guidance equipped me with real-world performing and networking skills which allowed me to become a successful freelance musician, while the academics in the music program prepared me for work within a university. I am eternally grateful to all of my professors and classmates for their encouragment and assistance in paving the way to my future accomplishments.

Nan-Yu Wu • MM 2014
Nan-Yu Wu is currently a second bassoonist and contrabassoonist in the Taipei Symphony Orchestra. She has also played with Philharmonia Moments Musicaux, Taipei Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, YinQi Symphony Orchestra, and Taiwan JustMusic Philharmonic Orchestra, and has been invited to perform with the Art Bassoon Ensemble in Asia Double Reed Association Conference and Osaka Bassoon Festival. She was the winner of several competitions and the participant of music festivals, including National Orchestra Institution and Atlantic Music Festival.My time at Ohio State is a memorable experience in my life. The technique I learned from Professor Pierson assisted me to become a successful musician, while other academic courses cultivated me to be a more mature and independent learner. The friendliness and support from people here make Ohio State feel like home for me.